Today in Music: a look back at pop music

(Aug. 17)

Today's musical birthdays include bluesman Luther Allison, who was born in 1939; Gary Talley of the Box Tops in 1947 (age 55); Boston's Sib Hashian in 1949 (age 53); Steve Price of Pablo Cruise in 1951 (age 51); Kevin Rowland of Dexy's Midnight Runners in 1953 (age 49); Colin Moulding of XTC in 1955 (age 47); the Go-Go's Belinda Carlisle in 1958 (age 44); Black Crowes drummer Steve Gorman in 1965 (age 37); and Donnie Wahlberg of the New Kids On the Block, and De La Soul's Posdnuos, aka. Kelvin Mercer, both in 1969 (age 33).

Today in music history:

In 1955, Sun Records released "I Forgot To Remember To Forget" by Elvis Presley. It topped the U.S. country charts but didn't make the pop charts.

In 1960, the Beatles opened a three-month stand at the Indra Club in Hamburg, West Germany.

In 1961, the Supremes' debut single "Buttered Popcorn" was released. In 1964, the Kinks' "You Really Got Me" was released.

In 1969, Peter Townshend shoved Abbie Hoffman off the stage when Hoffman tried to make a political speech in the middle of The Who's set on the third day of Woodstock.

In 1971, Aretha Franklin, Stevie Wonder and Brook Benton were among those who sang at the funeral of saxophone genius King Curtis, who'd been murdered outside his New York apartment.

In 1973, Paul Williams of the Temptations took his own life. He was 32.

In 1986, fights broke out among audience members before a Run-DMC concert in Long Beach, Calif. The fights lasted two hours and 40 people were injured. Run-DMC blamed promoters and the police for failing to heed their warnings about gang violence.

Also in 1986, the 7-year-old son of country's Ricky Skaggs was wounded by a passing trucker in a bizarre highway shooting in Virginia.

In 1987, Colo. Gov. Roy Romer arrived late for a speaking engagement in Denver. He said he was so absorbed by a Bruce Springsteen tape playing on his car stereo that he went to the wrong hotel.

In 1990, Pearl Bailey died of a heart attack at age 72.

In 1993, a spokesman for Michael Jackson said talks were underway for the pop star to perform at least two concerts in Beijing, China.

Also in 1993, soul singer Johnny Sayles died from a heart attack at age 56.

And in 1993, a U.S. postal stamp honoring the late country singer Patsy Cline was unveiled in Boston.

In 1995, Bobby Brown -- the husband of Whitney Houston -- was arrested at a West Hollywood hotel for allegedly kicking a hotel security guard.

Also in 1995, Depeche Mode's David Gahan was hospitalized in Los Angeles after slashing his wrists in a suicide bid.

In 1998, Carlos Santana was honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

Also in 1998, Sally Taylor -- the only daughter of James Taylor and Carly Simon -- played guitar and sang solo at her father's concert in Universal City, Calif.

In 1999, the Verve Pipe's self-titled follow-up to the band's debut album "Villains" was released.

Topping the charts on this date: Breaking Up is Hard to Do - Neil Sedaka, (1962), (They Long to be) Close to You - Carpenters (1970), Three Times a Lady - Commodores (1978), Papa Don't Preach - Madonna (1986).

Today's musical quiz: When Donnie Wahlberg accidentally fell through a stage trapdoor during a June 1990 concert in Saratoga, N.Y., he ended up in intensive care. Why? Answer: Although Wahlberg's injuries were minor, hospital officials felt putting him in ICU would make him less accessible to his many well-wishers.

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(Aug. 18)

Today's musical birthdays include Johnny Preston, who had a hit song in 1959 with "Running Bear," in 1939 (age 63); Carl Wayne of The Move in 1944 (age 58); Sara Dash of Patti LaBelle and the Blue Belles and, later, LaBelle in 1945 (age 57); Foreigner drummer Dennis Elliott in 1950 (age 52); and Ron Stryker of Men At Work in 1957 (age 45).

Today in music history:

In 1962, Peter Paul and Mary's "If I Had A Hammer" was released.

Also in 1962, Ringo Starr debuted with the Beatles at the Cavern Club in Liverpool.

In 1966, Paul Jones left Manfred Mann for a solo career. He was replaced by Mike D'Abo.

In 1969, Mick Jagger suffered an accidental gunshot wound on the set of "Ned Kelly," which was being filmed in Australia.

In 1974, Patrick Moraz replaced Rick Wakeman in Yes.

In 1977, Elvis Presley's funeral was held at Graceland. He was buried in a mausoleum in a Memphis cemetery. But just days later -- following attempts to steal his body -- he and his mother were reburied at Graceland.

Gordon Sumner (better known as Sting), Stewart Copeland, and Andy Summers gave their first performance as The Police at a nightclub in Birmingham, England, on this date in 1977.

In 1978, the Who's "Who Are You" album was released.

In 1979, rocker Nick Lowe married Carlene Carter of the Nashville Carter family and Johnny Cash's stepdaughter.

In 1984, Duran Duran keyboardist Nick Rhodes married Julie Anne Friedman.

In 1990, 100,000 people jammed Prague's Sprahov Stadium for the Rolling Stones' first concert in Czechoslovakia. Proceeds from the concert were donated to a Czech charity for the handicapped.

In 1991, Billy Preston was arrested and charged in the sexual assault of a 16-year-old boy at the singer's Malibu, Calif., home.

Also in 1991, Diana Ross ordered a nearby bungee-jumping platform shut down before she would perform at the Canadian National Exhibition in Toronto.

In 1993, Madonna was sued for $2.2 million by Easy Street Records, which contended that she stole music from a 1985 album by the group Serious Intention.

Also in 1993, Working Woman magazine quoted Priscilla Presley saying Elvis Presley Enterprises was now worth $100 million.

In 1995, security guards carried a sobbing Courtney Love from the stage after she twice tried to attack fans at the last stop of the Lollapalooza '95 tour in Mountain View, Calif.

In 1998, the Temptations released their 56th album, titled "The Temptations: Phoenix Rising." The CD's first single "Stay" featured a sample of the classic Temptations' tune "My Girl."

In 1999 Universal Records confirmed that Spin Doctors lead singer Chris Barron had been diagnosed with a rare paralysis of his vocal chords. Doctors reportedly had said he might never regain full use of his voice.

Topping the charts on this date: Tossin' and Turnin' - Bobby Lewis (1961), In the Year 2525 - Zager and Evans (1969), I Just Want to be Your Everything - Andy Gibb (1977), Shout - Tears for Fears (1985).

Today's musical quiz: Who made the Indian noises on Johnny Preston's 1959 hit "Running Bear"? Answer: George Jones and J.P. "The Big Bopper" Richardson, who had written the song.

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(Aug. 19)

Today's musical birthdays include the late Harry Mills of the Mills Brothers, who was born in 1913; drummer Ginger Baker of Cream and, later, Blind Faith in 1939 (age 63); Johnny Nash in 1940 (age 62); Billy J. Kramer of Billy J. Kramer and the Dakotas in 1943 (age 59); Ian Gillan of Deep Purple in 1945 (age 57); Looking Glass's Elliot Lurie in 1948 (age 54); bassist John Deacon of Queen in 1951 (age 51); and rapper M.C. Eric in 1970 (age 32).

Today in music history: In 1964, the Beatles' first U.S. tour opened in San Francisco, with the Righteous Brothers and Jackie DeShannon also on the bill.

In 1967, Ringo Starr's first wife, Maureen, gave birth to the couple's second son, Jason. The same day, the Beatles' "All You Need Is Love" topped the U.S. singles charts.

In 1969, Miles Davis -- backed by John McLaughlin, Chick Corea and Wayne Shorter -- recorded the classic "Bitches Brew" album.

In 1973, Kris Kristofferson married Rita Coolidge. They were divorced six years later.

In 1979, rockabilly Dorsey Burnette died from a heart attack at age 46.

In 1984, Beach Boy Brian Wilson was arrested for criminal trespassing outside the Republican National Convention in Dallas. The complaint was later dropped.

In 1987, Ike Turner was arrested in West Hollywood for making an illegal turn. Police found cocaine in his car and only 11 cents in his pocket.

In 1988, U.S. jukebox operators named their All Time Most Played records as Elvis Presley's "Hound Dog" and Patsy Cline's "Crazy."

In 1994, Rod Stewart filed a $40 million lawsuit against the Star tabloid newspaper for reporting he had a throat ailment that'd eventually end his career.

In 1996, rock singer Melissa Etheridge announced that her lover -- Julie Cypher -- was pregnant and expecting a baby in January.

In 1998, David Crosby appeared with his new musical project, CPR, on "The Tonight Show with Jay Leno." CPR stands for Crosby, Pevar and Raymond -- Raymond being James Raymond, Crosby's biologicial son. The two had first meet only four years earlier, while Crosby was recovering from his liver transplant.

Topping the charts on this date: It's Now or Never - Elvis Presley (1960), People Got to be Free - The Rascals (1968), Don't Go Breaking My Heart - Elton John and Kiki Dee (1976).

Today's musical quiz: Cream's biggest hit was also the band's first. Can you name that tune? Answer: "Sunshine of Your Love."

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(Aug. 20)

Today's musical birthdays include country's Jim Reeves, who was born in 1924; Justin Tubb in 1935 (age 67); Isaac Hayes in 1942 (age 60); Chicago's Jim Pankow in 1947 (age 55); Robert Plant of Led Zeppelin in 1948 (age 54); the late Phil Lynott of Thin Lizzy was born in 1951; and Rudy Gatlin of the Gatlin Brothers and Doug Fieger of the Knack, both in 1952 (age 50).

Today in music history:

In 1955, Bo Diddley made his first appearance at New York's Apollo Theater.

In 1965, Rolling Stones manager Andrew Oldham announced the formation of his own record company, Immediate Records.

In 1968, Bobby Darin sold his music publishing company for $1 million.

In 1969, Frank Zappa disbanded the Mothers of Invention, reportedly because he was tired of "people who clap for all the wrong reasons."

In 1981, Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band played a benefit concert for Vietnam veterans in Los Angeles.

In 1983, punk rocker Johnny Ramone suffered a near-fatal head injury in a street fight over his girlfriend.

In 1984, it was reported that the Jacksons' music video "Torture" used only a wax dummy of Michael Jackson.

In 1986, Boy George's friend Marilyn -- real name, Peter Anthony Robinson -- was cleared of heroin possession charges after London prosecutors failed to produce evidence.

Also in 1986, jazz composer, arranger and trumpeter Thad Jones died of cancer at age 63. He was the brother of drummer Elvin Jones and pianist Hank Jones.

In 1992, the surviving members of Queen said they had dropped plans to build a monument in northern London to the group's late frontman, Freddie Mercury, at the request of his parents.

In 1994, rapper Luther Campbell and eight dancers were arrested on obscenity and inciting to riot charges after they allegedly simulated sex acts during a concert in Birmingham, Ala.

In 1998, Bonnie Raitt kicked off a concert tour in Boulder, Colo., in support of her latest album, "Fundamental."

In 1999, Blues Traveler bassist Bobby Sheehan was found dead at his New Orleans home. He was 31. The cause of Sheehan's death may've been a breathing disorder.

Topping the charts on this date: A Big Hunk O' Love - Elvis Presley (1959), All You Need is Love - The Beatles (1967), Jive Talkin' - Bee Gees (1975), Every Breath You Take - The Police (1983).

Today's musical quiz: What musical instrument does Jim Pankow of Chicago play? Answer: The trombone. He also wrote many of Chicago's hits, including "Make Me Smile" and "Colour My World."

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(Aug. 21)

Today's musical birthdays include Kenny Rogers, who was born in 1938 (age 64); Harold Reid of the Statler Brothers in 1939 (age 63); Tom Coster of Santana in 1941 (age 61); Jackie DeShannon in 1944 (age 58); the Buckinghams' guitarist Carl Giammerese in 1947 (age 55); the Clash's Joe Strummer and Deep Purple's Glenn Hughes, both in 1952 (age 50); and Budgie of Souixsie and the Banshees, and Kim Sledge of Sister Sledge, both in 1957 (age 45).

Today in music history: On this date in 1935, Benny Goodman played L.A.'s Palomar Theater in a nationally broadcast concert that drew an enormous audience and is frequently credited with kicking off the swing era.

In 1963, teen magazine "16" named British pop star Cliff Richard the "most promising male singer."

In 1972, Jefferson Starship's Grace Slick was maced by police in a scuffle following a concert in Akron, Ohio. The band's equipment manager started it by calling the police "pigs."

In 1973, the Doobie Brothers' second album "Toulouse Street" was certified gold. In 1976, the Rolling Stones, Todd Rundgren, Lynyrd Skynyrd and 10cc performed at the Knebworth Pop Festival in England.

In 1980, Linda Ronstadt opened in "The Pirates of Penzance" on Broadway. In 1984, National Park Service officials announced that the Beach Boys would no longer be part of the annual Fourth of July celebration on Washington Mall, and would be replaced by a more "family-oriented" program.

In 1990, Elvis Presley's first driver's license was sold for $7,400, and a John Lennon collage made in 1974 using magazine cutouts of Andy Warhol heads superimposed on nude girls astride motorcycles went for $44,350 dollars, at an auction at Sotheby's in London.

In 1991, a judge cut Rick James's $1 million bail in half. The funk rocker and his girlfriend were charged with holding a woman captive and torturing her at James's Hollywood Hills home.

In 1993, Madonna's neighbors called the police to complain about a party at her Hollywood Hills home.

In 1994, Whitney Houston performed a make-up show in Anaheim, Calif. The concert had been canceled the previous month due to her throat problems.

In 1996, funkster Rick James was released from a California prison, where he'd served time for assaulting two women back in 1991. He said he'd written more than 400 songs while behind bars.

In 1998, Celine Dion opened her "Let's Talk About Love" world concert tour in Boston.

Topping the charts on this date: Nel Blu Dipinto Di Blu (Volare) - Domenico Modugno (1958), Summer in the City - The Lovin' Spoonful (1966), The Night Chicago Died - Paper Lace (1974), Eye of the Tiger - Survivor (1062).

Today's musical quiz: Who wrote "Islands in the Stream," Kenny Roger's hit duet with Dolly Parton? Answer: The BeeGees.

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(Aug. 22)

Today's musical birthdays include bluesman John Lee Hooker, who was born in 1917; Bob Flanigan of the Four Freshmen was born in 1926; Freddie Milano of Dion and the Belmonts in 1939 (age 63); Kathy Lennon, one of the Lennon Sisters, in 1942 (age 60); Ron "Archie" Dante of the Archies in 1945 (age 57); Donna Godchaux, formerly of the Grateful Dead, in 1947 (age 55); Mahogany Rush's Frank Marino in 1954 (age 48); Roland Orzabal of Tears for Fears and Bangles' drummer Debbi Peterson, both in 1961 (age 41); and James DeBarge, who was briefly married to Janet Jackson in 1984, and Tori Amos, both in 1963 (age 39).

Today's musical milestones: In 1956, Elvis Presley began work on his first movie, "Love Me Tender."

In 1965, the Beach Boys met the Beatles backstage at a Beatles concert in Portland, Ore.

In 1966, the Beatles arrived in New York City for a concert at Shea Stadium.

In 1968, John Lennon was sued for divorce by his first wife, Cynthia, after she returned from a vacation to find Yoko Ono living in their London home.

Also in 1968, country couple George Jones and Tammy Wynette announced they were married -- even though they didn't actually tie the knot until the following February.

In 1979, Led Zeppelin released "Through the Out Door," the group's final original album.

In 1981, Foreigner's fourth album -- titled "4" -- topped the U.S. album chart.

Also in 1981, Cheap Trick sued Columbia/CBS in a bid to end the band's recording contract with CBS's Epic Records.

And in 1981, the first heavy metal "Monsters Of Rock" festival was held at Castle Donington.

In 1983, Crystal Gayle gave birth to her first child, a girl she named Catherine.

In 1987, 1960s pop star Dusty Springfield had a No.3 hit in Britain with "What Have I Done to Deserve This," a duet with the Pet Shop Boys.

In 1991, reggae singer David Hinds threatened to file a $1 million class-action suit against New York City for not doing anything about racial discrimination by taxi drivers.

In 1992, Sting married his longtime lover Trudie Styler in a church wedding in Wiltshire, England. The couple had tied the knot two days earlier in a civil ceremony.

Also in 1992, estranged couple Mick Jagger and Jerry Hall met at their Texas ranch and later dined with friends in Dallas. In 1998, Elton John invited comic actor Jim Carrey onstage during his concert at the Arrowhead Pond in Anaheim, Calif. The two dueted on "Rocket Man."

Topping the charts on this date: Teddy Bear - Elvis Presley (1957), I Got You Babe - Sonny and Cher (1965), Touch Me in the Morning - Diana Ross (1973), Endless Love - Diana Ross and Lionel Richie (1981).

Today's musical quiz: The Lennon Sisters were featured performers on what long-running TV show? Answer: "The Lawrence Welk Show."

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(Aug. 23)

Today's birthdays include Rex Allen Jr., who was born in 1947 (age 55); the late Keith Moon of The Who was also born in 1948; actor/singer Rick Springfield in 1949 (age 53); and Pebbles, whose real name is Perri McKissack, in 1964 (age 38).

Today's musical milestones:

In 1962, John Lennon married Cynthia Powell in Liverpool, England. Paul McCartney was his best man. George Harrison also attended the wedding.

In 1966, the Beatles' second movie, "Help!", opened nationwide.

In 1970, Lou Reed left the Velvet Underground, the band he'd formed in 1964 with John Cale.

In 1980, Talking Heads made its debut as a nine-piece band -- having played many gigs as a quartet -- at the Heatwave Festival in Toronto.

In 1987, Michael Jackson made a donation to the United Negro College Fund. The amount was not made public.

In 1990, composer David Rose -- who had a No.1 single in 1962 with "The Stripper" -- died at age 80.

In 1991, a judge in Reno, Nev., rejected a plea for a new trial in the Judas Priest subliminal message case. The parents of two teenage boys had sued unsuccessfully, claiming subliminal messages on the band's "Stained Class" album led their kids to make a suicide pact.

Also in 1991, Warner Bros. Records announced it had presented the first royalty check -- for half-a-million dollars -- to the organizers of the all-star "Nobody's Child" album. The album was recorded to raise money for Romanian orphans. Featured artists included Elton John, Eric Clapton, Stevie Wonder, Guns N' Roses, The Traveling Wilburys, Van Morrison and Ric Ocasek.

In 1993, news of the child molestation allegations against Michael Jackson first surfaced. A Los Angeles TV station reported a criminal investigation into claims the pop star had molested a 13-year-old boy he'd befriended.

Also in 1993, Duran Duran was honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. In 1994, a Los Angeles judge sentenced an obsessed fan of Madonna's to one year in jail after he pleaded no contest to charges stemming from his repeated attempts to get into the singer's Hollywood estate.

In 1995, Soundgarden launched the final leg of its European tour in Dublin, Ireland.

In 1999, the members of KISS -- Gene Simmons, Paul Stanley, Peter Criss and Ace Frehley -- appeared in full costume and make-up on the World Championship Wrestling's "Monday Night Nitro Live." They introduced a new wrestler, described as a KISS "character."

Topping the charts on this date: My Prayer - The Platters (1958), Where Did Our Love Go - The Supremes (1964), Alone Again (Naturally) - Gilbert O'Sullivan (1972), Magic - Olivia Newton-John (1980).

Today's musical quiz: What was the name of Rick Springfield's character on the TV soap opera "General Hospital"? Answer: Noah Drake.